Contrary to some reports, Ellen White did not identify by name any of the "worlds" that she was shown in vision. Joseph Bates, a retired sea captain with a special interest in astronomy, was present
during at least one of these visions, and he is reported to have identified
the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus as being among those described. Some
have mistakenly linked Elder Bates' remarks to Ellen White's description of
a "place" inhabited by "noble" and "majestic" beings. In Ellen White's own account
of her vision, however, she says only that she was taken to "A PLACE" that was
bright and glorious" (emphasis supplied). She does not identify "the place"
as Jupiter, Saturn, or any other planet in our solar system. Here is her description:
"The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and an angel
attended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass
of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The
inhabitants of the place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely.
They bore the express image of Jesus, and their countenances beamed with holy
joy, expressive of the freedom and happiness of the place."
Early Writings,
pp. 39, 40.
See also
Astronomical
Statements